We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashon Ruffins. Check out our conversation below.
Ashon, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Writing absolutely brings me joy outside of work. The process of creating stories and characters has always been fun for me. There is something satisfying about bringing parts of my imagination together in written word.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashon Ruffins and i’m a horror author. I run a small indie press by the name of Dreadful Times Press where we publish chilling tales of horror. What makes my stories interesting is that they revolve around diverse characters that are often morally grey. I try to touch on issues where the characters within the stories struggle with their decision making. Often times the choices we have to make in real life isn’t always clear. I take those aspects of life and amplify them in a horror setting. It makes for compelling tales of terror. I have recently completed and published my first three book series which has mental health themes and i’m currently working on a supernatural thriller novella and sci-fi horror novel.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
An idealist. In my teenage years and my early twenties I believed that people wanted the best for each other. It was something so obvious to me. We stand to gain more out of life when we lift and support each other. This includes all aspects of life. We know the world can be cruel and there are some people out there that only take from others with no regard for the pain they may cause. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of encountering a few of those types and it resulted in some hard lessons that I needed to learn about the world. The world was telling me to be selfish. Be cold. I wasn’t having that. It’s not who I am. I’m still an idealist.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The only way to grow in life is to step outside your comfort zone. With that often comes risk and with risk comes failure. There was a risk I took early in my life that I felt I was fully prepared for. I failed and it cost me significantly. There was a period of suffering as a result. That time taught me that sometimes even if you are prepared and have planned accordingly, success is not guaranteed. What is important is that you learn from it and become better.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that family and mental health really matters to me. Having a strong support system at home that is a loving and nurturing enviornment is essential.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
Without a doubt its when I complete a writing project. From concept to publication, professionally, i’m at peace when I finish the grind and get to bring another story to my readers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DreadfulTimesPress.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/life_thru_fiction
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/dreadfultimespress
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